Mark Hughes, the former Manchester United and Wales striker, is grieving the sudden loss of his son Alex at the age of 38.
A statement released by the League Managers Association on behalf of Hughes and his wife Jill reads: “Jill and I are totally heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected loss of our beloved son Alex. Alex was a wonderful son, brother to Curtis and Xenna, devoted husband and father to Jessica and their two beautiful children Sebastian and Leonardo.”
“Mark Hughes announces the sudden death of his son Alex, 38, who worked as a scout and recruitment lead at Grimsby Town.”
Alex Hughes had most recently worked as Player Recruitment Lead at Grimsby Town. He was born in 1987 while his father was playing for Barcelona, and after a brief playing career in Wales, he moved into football administration. He started as a match analyst at Blackburn Rovers before becoming a scout at Manchester City, then held roles at Fulham, 1860 Munich and Reading. He later took over as director of football at AFC Fylde before switches to Morecambe and Grimsby.
Mark Hughes enjoyed a storied playing career with Manchester United, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Southampton, Everton and Blackburn. He then managed Wales, Blackburn, Manchester City, Fulham, QPR, Stoke, Southampton, Bradford and most recently Carlisle United, which he left earlier this year after just over a year in charge.
Carlisle chairman Tom Piatak said at the time: “Mark has conducted himself with real professionalism throughout his time at Carlisle United. We are grateful for the work he has done, the standards he brought, and the progress made during the season. Following open and respectful discussions, both parties agreed this was the right time for the club to move in a different direction. Mark leaves with our thanks and best wishes, and he will always be welcome at Brunton Park.”
Tributes have poured in from across the football world. The family has asked for privacy as they come to terms with their loss.